INQUIRER Global Nation

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — At least two children died while 86 others fell ill due to diarrhea in a barangay (village) in Ormoc City.

Tacloban City Dr. Nelita Navales said a dirty open spring was suspected to be the cause of the diarrhea outbreak.

The two boys, aged nine and six, who died due to diarrhea, were not named.

“But the situation there in Sitio (district) Visoria, Barangay Manlilinao is now under control,” Navales said.

She said the local government unit already provided fluids and medicines to all affected persons.

The local water district cleaned and chlorinated the open spring, Navales said in a telephone interview.

The open spring has been the main source of drinking water of the village people, she said.

The nine-year old boy died on January 3 while he was being transported by his parents to the Ormoc District Hospital, while the six-year old died at their house a day earlier, Navales said.

According to Navales, 26 of the 86 persons afflicted with diarrhea were admitted to the Ormoc District Hospital. /Inquirer